New Brunswick Launches Aggressive Mid-Year Immigration Push with Four Targeted PNP Draws
June Sees Spike in Provincial Immigration Invitations
In a notable effort to accelerate skilled immigration, New Brunswick conducted four back-to-back draws under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) on June 16 and 17, 2025. These draws resulted in 608 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) being issued across multiple economic and employment-based pathways.
Four Pathways, Two Streams, One Goal: Labour Market Alignment
New Brunswick’s June PNP draws were split across two primary streams — the Skilled Worker stream and the Express Entry stream — each tailored to meet specific labour market demands and attract individuals with ties to the province.
Skilled Worker Stream: A Sector-Focused Approach
| Draw Date | Pathway | ITAs Issued | Priority Sectors Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16 | NB Experience Pathway | 25 | Health, education, social services, and construction |
| June 16–17 | NB Graduates Pathway | 274 | All sectors (excluding Chefs and Material Handlers) |
| June 17 | NB Priority Occupations Pathway | 12 | Healthcare only |
- NB Experience Pathway : Targeted applicants working in New Brunswick with permits nearing expiration between 2025 and early 2026. Material Handlers (NOC 75101) were not included in this round.
- NB Graduates Pathway : Aimed at international graduates who studied in New Brunswick and whose work permits expire within a similar window. This draw specifically excluded Chefs (NOC 62022) and Material Handlers.
- Priority Occupations Pathway : Focused solely on healthcare roles, this draw did not publish detailed eligibility rules. Importantly, New Brunswick is currently not accepting new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under this category, instead reviewing applications already in the pool.
Express Entry Stream: For Candidates with Provincial Work Experience
Alongside the Skilled Worker stream, a significant draw was conducted under the Employment in New Brunswick pathway of the Express Entry stream.
| Draw Date | Pathway | ITAs Issued | Candidate Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16 | Employment in NB Pathway | 297 | 1+ year of full-time work in New Brunswick |
This stream focused on individuals who have been consistently employed in the province for at least 12 months. Though it welcomed applicants from various sectors, Chefs were excluded in this round.
Important Notes on EOI Restrictions and NOC Code Exclusions
New Brunswick continues to implement occupation-based selection filters, prioritizing applicants aligned with provincial priorities. Several NOC codes are currently excluded from both the Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams. EOIs that fall under these occupations are not being considered, despite remaining in the selection pool for up to 12 months.
Strategic Immigration, Provincial Priorities
- Have gained work experience within New Brunswick,
- Have graduated from local institutions,
- Are employed in high-demand sectors like healthcare, education, and construction.
Other Provinces Facing Sharp Reductions in Quotas
While New Brunswick has secured an increased immigration intake, many other provinces continue to face steep reductions in their annual allocations. For example:
- Ontario’s nomination capacity was reduced to 10,750 for 2025, down from 21,500 in 2024.
- British Columbia saw its numbers drop to 4,000, prompting widespread program changes and application restrictions.
Earlier this year, Newfoundland and Labrador also negotiated a revised allocation, increasing their nomination spaces from 1,050 to 2,525.
These shifts come in response to federal changes outlined in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which set the national PNP target for 2025 at only 55,000—a sharp decline from earlier plans to accept 120,000.
What It Means for Prospective Immigrants
New Brunswick’s success in securing additional immigration spaces offers a valuable opportunity for skilled professionals seeking to settle in Canada. With a strong focus on healthcare, trades, and education, the province is aiming to match newcomers directly with employers facing shortages.
For applicants, this means faster processing and more focused pathways—particularly for those whose occupations align with the province’s current needs.
Excluded Occupations:
In addition to the excluded occupations under the Express Entry stream, the following occupations are also not considered under the Skilled Worker stream in 2025:
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Shippers and receivers | 14400 |
| Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers | 64100 |
| Bartenders | 64301 |
| Hotel front desk clerks | 64314 |
| Other customer service representatives | 64409 |
| Food and beverage servers | 65200 |
| Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related occupations | 65201 |
| Fish and seafood plant workers | 94142 |
| Labourers in food and beverage processing | 95106 |
| Labourers in fish and seafood processing | 95107 |
Conclusion
Recent News
- Manitoba Pauses Employer-Driven Immigration Nominations Until August 5
- Canada to Invite 17,860 Sponsors Under 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program
- British Columbia Prioritizes Global Entrepreneurs in Targeted July PNP Draw
- Manitoba Draw Targets International Graduates and Priority Occupation Workers
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